VOC Senior Merchant

Unknown artist

The figure standing on the left is a Dutch East India Company (VOC) merchant, probably Jakob Martensen, beside his wife. Behind them, a slave is holding a parasol, a pajong, over their head. This was a status symbol in Javanese culture. Batavia Castle is visible in the background. To the right, the Company fleet rides at anchor, ready to return to the Netherlands. The merchant is pointing to the ships, indicating his involvement.